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Just curious... companies like Gateway and HP never send an operating system CD (WinXP) with new computers. So how does one format his computer to like new specs?
I have some computers that have so many viruses that it would be easier to just format them and start from scratch. But without a CD how does anyone do this? Can I just use any XP cd as long as I use the product code from the side of the computer?
Just curious..
Question: companies like Gateway and HP never send an operating system CD (WinXP) with new computers. So how does one format his computer to like new specs?
Use the restore CD to reinstate the OS to the preinstalled factory state.
Question: Can I just use any XP cd as long as I use the product code from the side of the computer?
Effective March 1, 2005, you can no longer use the machine COA as a product key to activate your copy of XP CD.
i_XpUser
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Companies like Gateway, Dell and whatnot supply the PC with a Recovery Diskette or CD.
If you do not have the Recovery Disk, for each machine, and you want to install a fresh copy of XP then you WILL need to buy an original copy of XP for Every machine used. Each copy of XP uses a unique Product Key, so it can't be used twice.
The world is full of willing people, some are willing to work, others are willing to let them; just a thought!
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AFAIK some do and some don't supply the PC with a Recovery Diskette or CD. For those that don't, you will be prompted to create your own set the very first time you boot the PC. Many users (being novices) skip this stage because they don't know what it was for and didn't want to be bothered.
i_XpUser
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OK.. sounds like i am at a dead end then because people that i work on thier computers evidently cant find any type of recovery disk. Wonder how hard it would be to get those companies to send a copy for thier products? Doubtful I'm sure.
Thanks everyone.
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XpUser, sounds like this is the problem. Wonder if there is a way to create one after it has been used for a while?
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You can order it from the OEM but the problem is if they never have registered the PC with them, the OEM may not be willing to sell you the CD set.
i_XpUser
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Wonder if there is a way to create one after it has been used for a while?
Yes you can as long as the machine is stable. Each OEM uses different Recovery CD creation approaches. You have to look it up by the machine or access the OEM website for guidance.
i_XpUser
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I found the recovry discs for a dell latitude D600 on E-Bay. The guy even worked at dell and sent me an activation code. Cost 23.00...For xp pro and all drivers.
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